Narrative Techniques in My Place

Summary: Examines use of narrative techniques of focus and selection in the autobiographical narrative My Place, by Australian author Sally Morgan. Details how the use of those techniques shape the readers attitude toward Morgan and her search for her aboriginal heritage.

The use of narrative techniques, such as selection of detail, language and narrative stance throughout My Place (Sally Morgan) encourage readers to pity, admire and identify with Sally because they fore ground the horrendous way in which she was treated.

The technique of focus and selection is used to provide examples of the racist attitudes Sally and her family encountered which lead to discrimination. Sally Morgan uses the technique of selection of detail in order to provide the reader with instances of racism which would directly contradict the reader's values of egalitarian, therefore causing the reader to feel bitter towards the instigators of the racism and sympathy towards Sally, who was perpetrated by the acts of racism. Throughout the text Sally remains strong and true to herself, despite the obstacles of prejudice, discrimination and the forces that encourage Sally to assimilate. One symbolic example of this is when...